A day in the life told by a Bakharwal
I wake before the sun, my nose catching the cool mountain air. The sheep stir as I pad around them, checking each one with a gentle sniff. A marmot whistles from the rocks, and I give a low, calm woof to say I've seen it. The shepherd boy brings his tea and shares a quiet moment with me, his hand resting on my thick fur. I watch the valley, my family safe behind me. When the lambs nap, I lie near them, one ear always listening. Evenings bring the herd home, and I circle them one last time before settling by the fire, proud and content.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Bakharwal tipAs a large, deep-chested breed, the Bakharwal is prone to bloat (GDV), so feed two or three smaller meals a day rather than one large one, and avoid exercise straight after eating. Choose highly digestible proteins and starches to support digestive tolerance, and always ask your vet before making any diet changes.
Source: petmd.com pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
- 1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
- Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
- Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
- Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
Recipe from The Kennel Club
Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup
Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.
You need
- 1 cooking pumpkin
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle
How
- Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
- Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
- Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.
How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.
Recipe from Dogs Trust
Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)
A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.
You need
- 1 egg
- 170g boiled chicken breast
- 100g cooked plain rice
- 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
- 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)
How
- Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
- Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
- Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.
Recipe from Blue Cross
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bakharwal, and at what times?
Feed your Bakharwal at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, so try to feed at the same times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should a Bakharwal eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suitable for large, active breeds is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially risky for dogs. Always keep human treats like these away from your Bakharwal.4
How often should I bathe a Bakharwal?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo to protect their thick double coat.5 Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Bakharwal need brushing?
Brush your Bakharwal weekly to keep their thick double coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing also helps you check for tangles or skin issues.5 Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Bakharwal's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.5 Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Bakharwal need?
Your Bakharwal needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends exercise every day. As a working breed, they enjoy having a job to do, so interactive games are great too. Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Bakharwal's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently dry them if needed, never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary suggests daily brushing for teeth and weekly ear checks.5 Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Bakharwal live?
The lifespan of a Bakharwal varies, and specific data isn't provided here. For accurate information, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows the breed's history.
Is a Bakharwal good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Bakharwal is a dedicated guardian that traditionally lives and works alongside herding families and their flocks. With calm confidence, they can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.1
Can a Bakharwal be left alone?
The Bakharwal is used to being with its family and flock, so it may not enjoy long periods alone. They are loyal guardians and may become anxious if left isolated. It's best to provide company or a job to do, and consult a breeder for specific advice.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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